Newcastle braced for Dan Ashworth to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd revolution
Newcastle United are braced for the departure of director of football Dan Ashworth with Manchester United ready to offer him a similar role as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford revolution.
Telegraph Sport understands that senior figures at St James’ Park have been preparing themselves for the 52-year-old’s possible exit for several days, which would come as a huge blow to their ambitions to break up the so-called ‘Big Six’.
They will now seek urgent clarification from Ashworth regarding his intentions as Manchester United are thought to have made him their first-choice candidate.
Should Manchester United make an official approach to Newcastle it is understood they would have to pay a multi-million pound compensation settlement to extract Ashworth from his current contract.
He would also have to sit out a lengthy period of gardening leave, which is likely to prevent him starting work at Old Trafford until 2025.
Ashworth is believed to be on a shortlist of candidates to become Man Utd’s new sporting director, although Telegraph Sport understands there has been no approach yet to Newcastle.
However, Newcastle’s hierarchy are well aware of the rumours and want to seek assurances from Ashworth that he is committed to staying long term. That commitment has not yet been explicitly given, publicly or privately, and things are likely to come to a head in the next few days.
Ashworth joined Newcastle from Brighton in February and has been instrumental in the progress that has been made, both on and off the pitch, since the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Man Utd would face multi-million-pound settlement to land Ashworth
A source close to Ashworth stressed on Tuesday night that he is happy at Newcastle and is currently focused on the challenges ahead. That is likely to include a major overhaul of the first team squad in the summer, as well as trying to agree the terms of a new contract with Brazil international midfielder Joelinton.
Ashworth is understood to have been irritated by the constant chatter around him leaving for Man Utd, but that does not mean he could not be tempted to leave given the prestige of the job at Old Trafford. It would also be closer to his family home in the West Midlands.
The former FA director of elite development is hugely respected within the game and is also a friend of Sir Dave Brailsford, the former head of Sky/Ineos Grenadiers cycling, who has already taken up a new position as Director of Sport at Ineos.
It is understandable why Man Utd would be keen on him and Newcastle now want reassurances from Ashworth that he is not interested in leaving. Newcastle need to start drawing up their transfer plans for the summer and he would have access to potentially sensitive information.
Should Man Utd make an official approach to Newcastle it is understood they would have to pay a multi-million-pound compensation settlement to extract Ashworth from his contract at Newcastle. He would also have to sit out a lengthy period of gardening leave.
